Ben Aquila's blog: Gay pride events are more necessary than ever

Gay Pride is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equality rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual diversity and gender variance.

Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, is the predominant outlook that bolsters most LGBT rights movements throughout the world.

Ranging from solemn to carnivalesque, pride events are typically held during LGBT Pride Month in June. Some pride events include LGBT pride parades and marches, rallies, commemorations, community days, dance parties, and large festivals which spans several weeks.

This year, all demonstrations around the world have a special remembering to Orlando's mass shooting. We will not be silenced!